Ophrah, also known as Hapharaim, was Gideon's hometown in Manasseh and the site of important events during his time as a judge, as well as a town allotted to the tribe of Issachar.
Ophrah
PlaceGideon's hometown in Manasseh; a town in Issachar
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en
Ophrah
dust; lead; a fawn
- en Hapharaim · Also called
- he עׇפְרָה · H6084H
- he חֲפָרַיִם · H2663
- bg Офра
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There are two places named Ophrah mentioned in the Bible:
Ophrah of Manasseh: This Ophrah was the hometown of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel (Judg. 6:11). It was here that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and commissioned him to deliver Israel from the Midianites (Judg. 6:11-24). Gideon built an altar to the Lord in Ophrah and destroyed the altar of Baal (Judg. 6:24-27). After his victory over the Midianites, Gideon made an ephod from the spoils of war and placed it in Ophrah, which became a snare to him and his family (Judg. 8:27). Gideon died and was buried in Ophrah (Judg. 8:32). Later, Gideon's son Abimelech killed his seventy brothers in Ophrah (Judg. 9:5). The exact location of this Ophrah is uncertain, but it was likely situated in the region of Manasseh, west of the Jordan River.
Ophrah of Issachar: This Ophrah was a town allotted to the tribe of Issachar during the division of the Promised Land (Josh. 19:19). It is listed along with other towns in the region, such as Jezreel, Chesulloth, and Shunem. Its location is unknown.
“Of the Abi-ezrites.” A city of Manasseh, 6 miles south-west of Shechem, the residence of Gideon (Judg. 6:11; 8:27, 32). After his great victory over the Midianites, he slew at this place the captive kings (8:18-21). He then assumed the function of high priest, and sought to make Ophrah what Shiloh should have been. This thing “became a snare” to Gideon and his house. After Gideon’s death his family resided here till they were put to death by Abimelech (Judg. 9:5). It is identified with Ferata.
Sources: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding Data (CC BY 4.0, abd637f) · STEPBible TIPNR (CC BY 4.0, Ophrah@Jos.19.19-Jdg) · Theographic Bible Metadata (CC BY-SA 4.0, ophrah_914)